JUPITER – Giancarlo Stanton will wait until Thursday for his first at-bat against opposition pitching since being struck in the face by a fastball ...]]>

Miami Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton wears a newly designed helmet featuring a half-facemask to protect the left side of his face as he takes live batting practice during a spring training baseball workout Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Jupiter, Fla. Stanton broke his orbital bone and damaged five teeth on Sept. 12 when he was hit by a pitch ending his 2014 season. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

JUPITER – Giancarlo Stanton will wait until Thursday for his first at-bat against opposition pitching since being struck in the face by a fastball Sept. 11.

The Marlins play St. Louis on Thursday at Roger Dean Stadium in their first spring exhibition against a major-league team. Today at 1:05, Miami plays Miami, as in the Hurricanes, but Stanton will play in a simulated game on the back fields rather than batting against college pitchers.

“It just made more sense instead of him going over there (to the main stadium) for one at-bat,” Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. “He can get more at-bats on the back field. He’ll be ready to roll on Thursday.”

Ichiro Suzuki will start in right field against UM today. It will mark the first game action in a Marlins uniform for Suzuki, Dee Gordon, Martin Prado and Michael Morse. Prado bats third against the Hurricanes and Morse is the cleanup hitter.

The Marlins have Wednesday off.

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/03/giancarlo-stanton-not-in-lineup-tuesday-for-marlins-will-play-thursday-vs-cardinals/feed/1stanton1000ahirshfieldpbpMiami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton wears a newly designed helmet featuring a half-facemask to protect the left side of his face as he takes live batting practice during a spring training baseball workout Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Jupiter, Fla. Stanton broke his orbital bone and damaged five teeth on Sept. 12 when he was hit by a pitch ending his 2014 season. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)Marlins regulars to receive one at bat each vs. UM; prospect Jose Urena on moundhttp://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/03/marlins-regulars-to-receive-one-at-bat-each-vs-um-prospect-jose-urena-on-mound/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/03/marlins-regulars-to-receive-one-at-bat-each-vs-um-prospect-jose-urena-on-mound/#commentsTue, 03 Mar 2015 07:17:54 -5Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:17:54 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17721JUPITER – The Marlins play one more spring exhibition today – hosting the University of Miami at Roger Dean Stadium at 1:05 p.m. – before taking off Wednesday and opening their Grapefruit League schedule Thursday ...]]>

JUPITER – The Marlins play one more spring exhibition today – hosting the University of Miami at Roger Dean Stadium at 1:05 p.m. – before taking off Wednesday and opening their Grapefruit League schedule Thursday against the Cardinals.

The Marlins regulars will play a couple of innings and get one at bat each, meaning Giancarlo Stanton will face an opposing pitcher for the first time since being hit in the face on Sept. 11 and newly acquired 1B Michael Morse, 2B Dee Gordon, 3B Martin Prado and backup OF Ichiro Suzuki should get their first game action as a members of the Marlins.

Right-hander Jose Urena will start against the Hurricanes followed by a parade of pitchers much like the Marlins employed in their 7-2 victory over FIU on Monday.

Urena, 23, is the Marlins fourth-best prospect according to Baseball America. He was 13-8 with a 3.33 ERA at Class AA Jacksonville last season and, according to president of baseball operations Michael Hill, made the “biggest strides of any pitcher” in the organization in 2014, along with lefty (and No. 3 prospect) Justin Nicolino.

Hill cited the development of Urena’s slider and changeup.

“He’s always been a strike thrower, he’s always had a good arm, but there were questions going into last year as to whether his secondary pitches would allow him to stay in the rotation,” Hill said. “To his credit he’s one of our hardest working pitchers in our system. He worked his tail off with all his pitching coaches, with Wayne Rosenthal, to tighten up his secondary pitches to allow him to navigate a lineup three and four time through.”

Hill said Urena, who is from the Dominican Republic, had a below average slider and changeup a year ago.

“He found a changeup grip that was comfortable for him and he found a slider grip that was comfortable for him that allowed him to throw it with confidence,” Hill said. “Once he was able to throw with confidence, he had a well above average fastball he could attack hitters knowing he had three weapons to get him out.”

FSF kicks off the season on Opening Day with a special 90-minute pregame show at 2:30 p.m. April 6, when the Marlins host the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park. Home and away game telecasts will feature half-hour Marlins LIVE pregame shows and offer extended postgame coverage.

JUPITER _ All but eight Marlins games will be televised this season, 150 of those on FOX Sports Florida.

FSF kicks off the season on Opening Day with a special 90-minute pregame show at 2:30 p.m. April 6, when the Marlins host the Atlanta Braves at Marlins Park. Home and away game telecasts will feature half-hour Marlins LIVE pregame shows and offer extended postgame coverage.

The Marlins will appear twice on the ‘FOX Saturday Baseball Game of the Week’ national schedule _ May 23 vs. the Orioles and July 4 at the Cubs – and twice on FOX Sports 1 _ May 15 vs. the Braves and June 23 vs. the Cardinals.

Tommy Hutton returns to the broadcast booth for his 19th season as the Marlins’ television analyst. Rich Waltz returns for his 11th year as play-by-play announcer. Craig Minervini is back for his 14th season as pregame host and in-game reporter. Jessica Blaylock will join the team as the in-game reporter and host of “Inside the Marlins” episodes.

Former Marlins Jeff Conine, Preston Wilson and Carl Pavano will provide analysis on Marlins LIVE. Finally, FOX Sports Florida welcomes a new face to the broadcast team as Jessica Blaylock will serve as in-game reporter and host of “Inside the Marlins” episodes.

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/02/all-but-eight-marlins-games-to-be-televised/feed/0tommyd44Marlins trying to convince Juan Pierre to stick around as an instructorhttp://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/02/marlins-trying-to-convince-juan-pierre-to-stick-around-as-an-instructor/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/02/marlins-trying-to-convince-juan-pierre-to-stick-around-as-an-instructor/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 11:56:53 -5Mon, 02 Mar 2015 11:19:31 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17714JUPITER — There were hugs all around at Marlins camp this morning as Juan Pierre, who announced his retirement Friday, arrived at camp. Pierre was greeted by members of the organization, including Mike Redmond, his ...]]>

Marlins would like for Juan Pierre to impart his wisdom on their players.

JUPITER — There were hugs all around at Marlins camp this morning as Juan Pierre, who announced his retirement Friday, arrived at camp. Pierre was greeted by members of the organization, including Mike Redmond, his teammate during his first go around with the Marlins and manager for his final year in the big leagues, 2013.

Redmond is working Pierre, trying to get him to put on a uniform and work with the players. Pierre appears reluctant but sounds like he’ll relent.

“After the season that he played for us (in 2013) we talked a long time about a lot of different things,” Redmond said. “He was still trying to play. I told him when that day comes and you retire we would love to have you around and be a part of this organization.

“I don’t know if there is a better guy to represent this organization and what he meant as a player and a person and a teammate and to have him come up means a lot to me.”

Pierre, who lives in Parkland, is enjoying his time at home with his wife and two young boys.

“I definitely don’t want to travel, unless something changes my mind,” said Pierre, whose first stint with the Marlins was 2003-05. “If they want me in uniform. … I’m not necessarily itching to get back in uniform but to come here and help out.”

Pierre, 37, was the sparkplug of the 2003 World Series winning team. His work ethic is legendary; something Redmond believes would rub off on the younger players.

“JP was a gamer,” Redmond said. “This guy brought it every single day, never wanted a day off. You don’t see that a lot nowadays.

“That rubs off on players. You realize what it takes to be great. And a guy like him is a role model and a leader, no doubt. Younger players especially gravitate to guys like that.”

Play ball

The Marlins will play their first game of the spring today, hosting FIU in the first of two pre-Grapefruit League exhibitions at Roger Dean Stadium. Miami plays UM tomorrow.

Fernandez’s first bullpen since having Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on May 16 drew a crowd, including President David Samson, president of baseball operations Michael Hill, GM Dan Jennings, manager Mike Redmond, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and the training staff.

Fernandez’s mother, father, grandmother and girlfriend also watched him throw.

“I know it’s a day he’s been waiting for and excited about,” Redmond said. “We talk about those steps for him along the way and this is one of those important steps. Just to see him back up on the mound is exciting for us.”

Fernandez, who has not been on a big league mound since May 9, warmed up by playing catch on flat ground and tossing a few easy pitches from the mound. Bullpen coordinator Jeff Urgelles caught Fernandez.

The Marlins remain optimistic that the right-hander can return sometime around the All-Star break.

“Everyone has talked to him about the process,” Redmond said. “He understands this is just another step in getting back to being able to pitch for us. He knows and has a good feel for what he has to do.”

Redmond is not sure when Fernandez will throw again.

Haren to start first Grapefruit League game

Dan Haren, acquired in December from the Dodgers, will start the Marlins Grapefruit League opener Thursday against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Haren spent his first four professional seasons in the Cardinals organization after being drafted in the second round in 2001. He made his big league debut June 30, 2003, for St. Louis and had 28 appearances for the Cardinals before being traded to Oakland following the 2004 season.

The Marlins will play their first game of the spring at 1:05 p.m. Monday against FIU at Roger Dean Stadium. Left-hander Brad Hand will start. Right-hander Jose Urena will start Tuesday’s 1:05 p.m. game at Roger Dean against the University of Miami.

The Marlins regulars will not face FIU but play about two innings (one at bat) against UM.

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/01/marlins-pitcher-jose-fernandezs-first-bullpen-a-success/feed/1tommyd44Jose Fernandez throws his first bullpen since elbow surgery in May.Marlins’ Giancarlo Stanton brushes off being hit on hip by Henderson Alvarez fastballhttp://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/28/marlins-giancarlo-stanton-brushes-off-being-hit-on-hip-by-henderson-alvarez-fastball/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/28/marlins-giancarlo-stanton-brushes-off-being-hit-on-hip-by-henderson-alvarez-fastball/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 12:48:22 -5Sat, 28 Feb 2015 12:44:43 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17703JUPITER – After a Henderson Alvarez hit Giancarlo Stanton on the hip with a fastball today, the Marlins’ $325-million man gestured toward the mound and yelled at his teammate in Spanish.

Giancarlo Stanton wore his protective helmet Saturday for the first time.

JUPITER – After a Henderson Alvarez hit Giancarlo Stanton on the hip with a fastball today, the Marlins’ $325-million man gestured toward the mound and yelled at his teammate in Spanish.

The two laughed and then shook hands.

Stanton faced live pitching today while wearing his new protective helmet for the first time since being hit in the face by a Mike Fiers fastball Sept. 11 in Milwaukee. Stanton came to the plate four times during the simulated game. He hit into a fielder’s choice while facing left-hander Brad Hand (Martin Prado made a diving stop on the play) and flew out to deep right center field against righty Dan Haren, a ball that Marcel Ozuna ran down on the warning track.

Stanton then looked at four pitches from Alvarez, the third leaving its mark. Stanton said he did not have flashbacks to the pitch that shattered several teeth and bones in his face.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter either way, if you get hit or not. I’ll get hit again, eventually.”
Manager Mike Redmond is glad to get it out of the way.

“The good thing is he turned the right way,” Redmond said. “We all kind of were anticipating that happening, when it was going to happen, probably better to get it out of the way now.

“I know it’s been in all those pitchers’ minds when he stepped in there. He stepped out, he handled it fine and moved on.”

Catcher J.T. Realmuto joked he was trying to send Stanton a message.

“He was crowding the plate a little bit,” Realmuto said.

Stanton finally was able to test out his new helmet with a carbon steel frame that goes halfway around his face. Stanton said it felt better that he anticipated.

“You can’t get it fully out of your vision, out of your peripheral, at least,” he said. “But in terms of focusing on the pitcher, I had no trouble with that.”

Stanton said a lighter version of the helmet will be shipped soon. “That’ll be like nothing,” he said.

Stanton is not sure if he will wear the helmet with the guard while on the bases.

“I don’t want to be calling time, switching stuff out,” he said. “But if there’s a timeout or a pitching change, I might change it.’

Marlins will welcome Pierre

Redmond believes Juan Pierre will be in Jupiter soon to help out during spring training.

“I told him if you end up not playing we’d love to have you around and be a part of spring training, keep you in a Marlins uniform,” Redmond said. “He’ll be up at some point.”

Pierre announced his retirement Friday after 14 big league seasons. He had not played since 2013. Pierre played four seasons with the Marlins, 2003-05 and 2013. He and Redmond were teammates for two years, including the 2003 World Series winning season, and Redmond managed Pierre in 2013.

Pierre, 37, was known as one of the more dedicated players with a work ethic few could match.

“I used to say it all the time I don’t know how this guy is going to keep it up with the heat and what he did, to play every single game for as many years as he did was remarkable,” Redmond said.

Pierre played every game from 2003-07, .

Redmond isn’t the only fan of Pierre’s on the Marlins. Dee Gordon watched Pierre closely while growing up outside of Orlando and admired the way he played so much so that when he was traded he asked the Marlins for No. 9, the number Pierre wore during his first stint in the organization.

“We are both guys that swing the bat a lot, try to get a lot of hits, steal bases and score runs,” Gordon said. “The only different between us is he was left handed and played left field and I play second base.

“Just to be able to wear that number is pretty special.”

Pierre is among the franchise’s all-time leaders in triples (34), stolen bases (190), batting average (.295), multi-hit games (198), sacrifice hits (46), at bats (2,310) and games played (599).

**Manager Mike Redmond announced Friday that Giancarlo Stanton will make his spring debut, with the rest of regulars, and serve as the designated hitter on Tuesday against the Miami Hurricanes ...]]>

By Joseph KairallaSpecial to The Post

**Manager Mike Redmond announced Friday that Giancarlo Stanton will make his spring debut, with the rest of regulars, and serve as the designated hitter on Tuesday against the Miami Hurricanes (1:05 p.m., Roger Dean Stadium). Redmond said all regulars would likely get one at-bat, including Ichiro Suzuki, who will start in right field.

Giancarlo Stanton is facing live pitching today for first time since season ended last September. (Getty Images)

**The Marlins scheduled workout was washed out by rain. Hitters were limited to swings in the batting cages.

**Redmond announced the nine pitchers who will appear on Monday for one inning each against FIU (1:05 p.m., Roger Dean Stadium). Brad Hand will get the start and top pitching-prospect Justin Nicolino is scheduled to make an appearance.

**Redmond was excited that former Marlins catcher Charles Johnson arrived Friday to take part in spring training. Johnson isn’t there to work with catchers and serve any particular role, just to help out where he can. Johnson joins an impressive list of former players, that includes Andre Dawson and Jeff Conine, taking part in spring training.

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/27/miami-marlins-giancarlo-stanton-set-to-make-spring-training-debut-after-horrific-beaning/feed/0matibraGiancarlo Stanton is facing live pitching today for first time since season ended last September. (Getty Images)Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton on facing live BP: ‘It was like any other spring training’http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/marlins-of-giancarlo-stanton-on-facing-live-bp-it-was-like-any-other-spring-training/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/marlins-of-giancarlo-stanton-on-facing-live-bp-it-was-like-any-other-spring-training/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 13:46:57 -5Thu, 26 Feb 2015 13:28:03 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17688JUPITER – Giancarlo Stanton faced 10 pitches today, without taking a swing, his first time in the batters’ box against live pitching since a Mike Fiers fastball crushed several bones in his face ...]]>

Before stepping into box for live BP, Giancarlo Stanton (c) spoke with Dee Gordon (r) and Michael Morse (l).

JUPITER – Giancarlo Stanton faced 10 pitches today, without taking a swing, his first time in the batters’ box against live pitching since a Mike Fiers fastball crushed several bones in his face last September.

Stanton saw five pitches each from right-hander Henderson Alvarez and lefty Brad Hand.

“It was like any other spring training,” Stanton said. “Nothing different. I wanted to minimize any expectations on either side. I didn’t think I’d have any thoughts about it and I didn’t when I was in there.”

Stanton has not been the box since he was hit by a Fiers fastball on Sept. 11 in Milwaukee. He had extensive surgery and dental work but shows no signs of the trauma.

Stanton is still awaiting the arrival of his custom made batting helmet, which is scheduled to arrive today. He wore a normal helmet today.

The cage, tested against 90- to 100-mph fastballs, is attached to the helmet and goes halfway around his face.

Manager Mike Redmond said he did not expect Stanton to swing.

“Today went exactly as I planned in my mind,” Redmond said. “I knew he probably wouldn’t swing. He’s never been a guy that really enjoys swinging. Some guys get way more out of it just by tracking pitches. There’s something about that cage being over your head that just makes it a different feel. Some buys are more aggressive and some guys aren’t.”

While Hand said he did not think about who he was facing, Alvarez admitted to being a little nervous.

“He kept throwing away I noticed,” Stanton said. “It comes with the territory. Everyone is making an overly big deal about it so you take some extra precautions the first couple of times.”

Said Hand: “I don’t really run many up towards righties head if it’s going to be anybody’s head it’s going to be a lefty on accident,” Hand said. “I try not to think about it. Just go up there. We’re getting our work in as well as they’re getting their work on. Just try to throw a lot of strikes.”

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/marlins-of-giancarlo-stanton-on-facing-live-bp-it-was-like-any-other-spring-training/feed/0tommyd44Before stepping into box for live BP, Giancarlo Stanton (c) spoke with Dee Gordon (r) and Michael Morse (l).Giancarlo Stanton to face Henderson Alvarez today in first live BP since being hit in facehttp://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/giancarlo-stanton-to-face-henderson-alvarez-today-in-first-live-bp-since-being-hit-in-face/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/giancarlo-stanton-to-face-henderson-alvarez-today-in-first-live-bp-since-being-hit-in-face/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 11:15:28 -5Thu, 26 Feb 2015 09:30:42 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17683JUPITER – Giancarlo Stanton will take live batting practice today for the first time since being hit in the face by a fastball last September.

Manager Mike Redmond has no concerns about his $325-million man getting back in the box.

“It’s a day he’s been anticipating for a long time,” Redmond said. “No doubt the way his season ended last year it was tough to watch. For any player that’s a tough way to go. I’m anticipating him getting in there and tracking some pitches like he’s done a million times and there to be no problems.”

Stanton will be wearing a protective cage attached to his batting helmet.

For hitters, today is a necessary evil, a day Redmond said is not their favorite and one he said he never enjoyed.

“This is not the position players’ favorite day of the year,” Redmond said. “You get in there and track some pitches. If you want to take a few swings you do. You’re going to see some broken bats. This is not a day as a hitter you try to judge where you are as far as your preparation for the first game.”

Stanton was hit by a Mike Fiers fastball on Sept. 11 in Milwaukee. He had extensive surgery and dental work but shows no signs of the trauma.

]]>http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/giancarlo-stanton-to-face-henderson-alvarez-today-in-first-live-bp-since-being-hit-in-face/feed/0tommyd44Giancarlo Stanton is facing live pitching today for first time since season ended last September. (Getty Images)Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton first professional athlete on Sports Illustrated cover in body painthttp://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/marlins-of-giancarlo-stanton-first-professional-athlete-on-sports-illustrated-cover-in-body-paint/
http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/02/26/marlins-of-giancarlo-stanton-first-professional-athlete-on-sports-illustrated-cover-in-body-paint/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 07:57:18 -5Thu, 26 Feb 2015 07:57:18 -5http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/?p=17679JUPITER – Marlins president David Samson called Giancarlo Stanton not only the face of the Marlins but one of the faces of Major League Baseball.

JUPITER – Marlins president David Samson called Giancarlo Stanton not only the face of the Marlins but one of the faces of Major League Baseball.

Now, that face is on another magazine cover.

Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton – who recently signed the richest contract in baseball history – will grace the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, but in an unusual way. Stanton is shown from the waist up, arms crossed, holding a bat, with a Marlins uniform body painted on.

But at least this time he is wearing body paint. Two years ago Stanton was featured in ESPN The Magazine Body issue. … naked.

“He’s got the body to pull of either one,” teammate Jeff Baker said.

Stanton’s shoot for SI was on Nov. 19 in Miami. It took 12 hours to apply the paint.

“It was a long day, a long process,” Stanton said. “It took all day and it was a fun shoot. I worked with some great people and I’m glad I did it.

“I had six hands on me the whole time figuring stuff out. I did actually get a nap in, which was crucial, on about hour eight.”

Sports Illustrated has shot swimsuit models in body pain but not a professional athlete.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Stanton said. “All I had to go off of was the ladies swimwear. I thought (the body paint) could turn out pretty cool, if it was done right. It was. I’m happy I did it.”

Baker, though, was not eager to run out and purchase a copy of the magazine.

“I kind of just stick to the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated,” he said.